A photograph by Roddy Millar, taken 06/09/2021, from a series surveying the architecture of the north side of Union Street.

This image is of Aberdeen's Music Hall. Managed by Aberdeen Performing Arts, the venue is at the forefront of the city's cultural events. It hosts music concerts featuring local talent and internationally acclaimed artists across various genres. It also serves as a venue for comedy shows, exhibitions, and community events making it a hub of social activity in the city.

Looking north across Union Street, the section of the building shown here was constructed 1820-21 to the design of Archibald Simpson and was originally known as the Assembly Rooms.

The neo-Greek style Union Street entrance comprises a raised portico with six Ionic columns and a plain tympanum within a triangular pediment above. A large 2-leaf panelled timber main door is flanked by two tall windows on either side.

The main auditorium, to the rear of the original Assembly Rooms, was added to a design by James Matthews in 1858-59.

Further history and architectural detail about the building can be found in its entry on Historic Environment Scotland's Listed Building Portal.

Aberdeen's Music Hall was renovated between August 1984 and May 1986 and again from October 2016 to 8th December 2018. For the most recent renovation, the architects were BDP, the contractor was Kier and it was project managed by Axiom.

Location

Union Street

Keyword

Architecture

Photographer

Roddy Millar